Immunogenicity Validation Of The Predicted Hla Class Ii T-cell Epitope from Sars-cov-2 Nucleoprotein (np263-280, Np352-371, And Np387-406) On indonesia Population

Abstract

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants is primarily attributed to mutations in the S protein, diminishing the efficacy of existing vaccines that aim to generate antibodies against this S protein. As antibodies become less efficient, T cell-mediated immune response becomes essential in eliminating the virus. Three predominant HLA Class II alleles in the Indonesian population; HLA-DRB1*12:02, HLA-DRB1*15:02, and HLA-DRB1*07:01 play an important role in presenting viral peptide antigen to T-cells. Previously, peptides derived from SARS-CoV-2 N protein, namely, NP 263-280 , NP 352-371 , and NP 387-406 were predicted to bind to the predominant HLA class II alleles in the Indonesian population. Notably, NP 352-371 and NP 387-406 lacked IEDB reports. ELISpot assay was employed to validate the immunogenicity, confirming a positive T-cell response for NP 263-280 and NP 352-371 . ELISA assay were conducted to assess donor antibody levels, revealing significant differences in anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N) IgG between donors with and without COVID-19 history. Moreover, the study found that memory T cells persist longer in circulation compared to antibodies, emphasizing the importance of T-cell responses for long-term immunity.